Composite Bonding for Black Triangles: How to Close Gum Gaps

Have you ever noticed small black triangles in between your teeth where the root meets your gum?

If you have, this is a common issue and there are things you can do to help.

Black triangles between teeth, also known as open gingival embrasures, are usually not harmful, though they can affect your confidence and potentially lead to issues if they are left untouched. Named as such because they create dark space between teeth, they often look more noticeable against the white colour of the surrounding area.

There are many reasons why black triangles form, and there are ways to solve this issue if you’re feeling self conscious or worried about them. One of these ways is composite bonding, which can be used to reduce the size of black triangles so they appear less visible.

In this guide, we’ll be exploring what black triangles between teeth are, why you might have them, and how composite bonding might be able to help. All of these insights are backed by our multidisciplinary team at Sensu. With over 50 years of combined experience in orthodontics and restorative dentistry we help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

What Are Black Triangles Between Teeth?

Black triangles are small, dark gaps that appear between teeth and near the gumline. Teeth don’t sit side-by-side from top to bottom; there’s a contact point and the gum tissue normally fills the space below it. However, due to things like receding gums, bone loss, or changes in the position of your teeth, gaps can start to appear, which can affect the way your smile looks.

These small gaps may become more noticeable after treatment such as clear aligners, as teeth are moved into new positions which can change the shape and space between them. This can reveal areas where the gum tissue doesn’t fully fill the gap.

What Causes Black Triangles to Develop?

There are various reasons why black triangles in teeth develop and they’re relatively common. In fact, according to Colgate, 67% of adults over the age of 20 may develop them. Whilst they’re not necessarily harmful, if left untreated, they can lead to more serious issues as food and bacteria can easily become trapped.

Reasons why black triangles in teeth develop are:

• Gum recession: When the gums pull away from the teeth, more of the tooth surface is exposed so small triangular gaps between neighbouring teeth can occur. Gum recession can occur naturally with age or as a result of other dental issues.
• Gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause inflammation and damage to the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. As the condition progresses, the gums may recede so you can see visible spaces between teeth.
• Bone loss: The bone beneath your gums helps support both your teeth and gum tissue. If bone is lost, often as a result of periodontal disease, the gum tissue between teeth can also reduce, making black triangles more noticeable.
• Teeth shape: Some people have teeth that are narrower towards the gum line. This shape can make it more difficult for the teeth to sit closely together near the gums, resulting in triangular spaces.
• Movement: Black triangles can sometimes appear following orthodontic treatment. As crowded or overlapping teeth move into new positions, gaps that were previously hidden can become visible.
• Ageing: Gum tissue often recedes as you get older, making spaces between the teeth more noticeable. This is one of the reasons why black triangles are more common among adults.

How Different Teeth Shapes Can Affect Black Triangles

Not all of our teeth are the same shape. Some of us have more square-shaped teeth, where the sides are relatively straight, whereas others have more oval or triangular-shaped teeth which tend to become narrower towards the gums.

There are some tooth shapes that are more susceptible to black triangles forming as they affect how closely neighbouring teeth sit together and where their contact points are. Teeth that narrow towards the gum line can leave more space between them making black triangles more likely to become visible.

The below images demonstrate different shapes of teeth and how black triangles can develop.

Rectangular

Rectangular teeth usually have straighter, more parallel sides so the tooth remains relatively wide as it approaches the gum line. This creates a wider contact area between neighbouring teeth so there is less space for a black triangle to form.

Oval

Oval-shaped teeth have softer, rounded edges and become narrower as they reach the gum line. Their contact area is often smaller than that of rectangular teeth, so there might be slightly more space between the teeth near the gums.

Triangular

Triangular-shaped teeth are often wider towards the bite and become noticeably narrower as they reach the gum line. This means neighbouring teeth tend to meet at a higher, smaller contact point so there’s more space between them closer to the gums.

How Can Composite Bonding Help With Black Triangles?

Composite bonding can help reduce the visibility of black triangles by broadening your teeth at either side. This means that the space between neighbouring teeth is reduced so they look more uniformed and balanced.

To determine if composite bonding is the best solution for you, your dentist will first assess the size of the gaps. If your gums are healthy and the gaps are suitable for treatment with composite bonding, a tooth-coloured composite resin is carefully applied to the sides of the affected teeth, helping fill the triangular space that’s formed in between.

The great thing about composite bonding is that it generally requires little to no removal of the natural tooth structure, so it’s a minimally invasive option.

However, if the black triangles are caused by an underlying issue such as gum disease, this may need to be addressed before cosmetic treatment begins.

Other Treatments for Black Triangles Between Teeth

Depending on your gum health and individual needs (which is why an initial consultation is key before starting any treatment), there are a few ways you might be able to improve black triangles between your teeth.

These include:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene – if your black triangles are only small and gum recession is mild, you might be able to control their appearance by brushing and flossing regularly to help prevent plaque build-up. While good oral hygiene won’t close gaps, it can help reduce the risk of further gum recession that could make them more noticeable.
• The pinhole technique – this minimally invasive treatment may be used in some cases to help correct gum recession. It involves a small opening being made in the gum tissue so your dentist can gently reposition the existing gum over the exposed area of the tooth. This can restore coverage around the gum line and improve the appearance of gaps. However, the pinhole technique isn’t suitable for every case of black triangles, so your gum health and the cause of the gaps will need to be assessed first.
• Interproximal reduction (IPR) – Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a procedure that removes small amounts of enamel between your teeth to create more space before having orthodontic treatment.

How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

With the right care, composite bonding typically lasts between 5-7 years and sometimes even longer. That said, maintaining good oral hygiene is important to ensure your bonded teeth remain in good condition for as long as possible.

Whilst brushing and flossing at home is essential, professional hygiene appointments mean that areas which are harder to clean can receive a more thorough clean. Your hygienist can remove any plaque and tartar build-up around your teeth and gums, helping you maintain good oral health and look after your composite bonding.

Composite Bonding for Black Triangles: How to Close Gum Gaps

If you’re curious about composite bonding for black triangles, we hope this guide has helped. As a minimally invasive, quick treatment, composite bonding can help to visually reduce black triangles, not only improving your confidence but also reducing the likelihood of food becoming trapped.

Whilst black triangles are not typically harmful, they can lead to food and plaque becoming trapped between the teeth, making these areas more difficult to clean. Over time, this build-up may increase the risk of problems such as tooth decay and gum inflammation, particularly if good oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

At Sensu, we’re a specialist-led restorative and orthodontic dentist based in London, helping clients achieve their dream smile. Our multi-disciplinary team provides a range of treatments, from porcelain veneers to composite bonding to Invisalign, allowing people to find a treatment that suits their goals and dental needs. Book your complimentary consultation below, worth £350, to get started on your smile transformation today.